Historic agreement signed in Bethlehem
On September 2nd an important agreement was signed in Bethlehem concerning the restoration of the roof of the Church of the Nativity of Jesus. The agreement was signed by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and the representative of the Armenian Patriarch Torkom II Manoogian. The roof, left without any real maintenance since its previous restoration in 1832, was greatly damaged. Full story
Cautious Hopes for Direct Talks in Washington
The first direct peace talks for nearly two years between Israel and the Palestinians have begun in Washington, marking the start of what American officials hope will be a series of meetings leading to the creation of a Palestinian state. Yesterday President Barack Obama said he was “cautiously hopeful” about the talks after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House. Full story
Religious Freedom Growing in Turkey?
The government of Turkey has reopened the St. Paul Church in Tarsus and an ancient Orthodox monastery in Trabzon as places of worship, claiming it is moving the country towards greater religious freedom. Critics, however, have called the limited lifting of restrictions as a public relations exercise, designed to show tolerance as part of Turkey’s bid for EU membership. Full story
Terra Santa News - August 27, 2010
This week: Pilgrims in the Holy Land, record numbers in 2010. A smiling and discrete presence of prayer and dedication to the poorest of the poor, in Jerusalem and in Gaza: the work of the Missionaries of Charity in the Holy Land, 100 years after the birth of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Four days of meetings, dialogue, and celebrations. More than 200 participated in the Focolare Meeting. Nazareth, privileged destination for worldwide Catholic scouting. Full story